Cross-boundary driver jailed for smuggling gold

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     A cross-boundary driver was convicted and sentenced to 39 months' imprisonment today (February 12) at the District Court for using a private vehicle with an altered structure to smuggle gold, in contravention of the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO).

     Customs officers intercepted an incoming private car which entered Hong Kong via Shenzhen Bay Control Point on August 17, 2016. Thirty gold bars weighing about 30 kilograms with an estimated market value of about $11 million were found concealed near a front tyre of the vehicle. The 34-year-old male driver was then arrested.

     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the IEO, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Ends/Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Issued at HKT 17:20

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